Khajuraho & Bandhavgarh
Khajuraho & Bandhavgarh
Medieval temples & Royal Bengal tigers.
Best time to visit: October to March
Popular attractions: Dulhadev Temple, Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshman Temple, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Khajuraho
Known for the immaculate and erotic sculptures of its temples, Khajuraho has successfully taught the lessons of spirituality over greed. This wondrous heritage town is encircled with the Vindhya Mountain Ranges to make it even more delightful. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 'Khajuraho Group of Monuments' is famous for its Nagara-Style architecture and graceful sculptures of nayikas and deities. These temples are divided into three groups: Eastern, Western and Southern. Beautiful, detailed and expressive, the sculptures of the Khajuraho temples will leave you in awe and wonder.
The temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from 950-1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders. The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed.
Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh is a world famous Tiger reserve, spread over the Vindhya Mountains in Central India. More than 22 species of mammals, 250 species of birds and 70 species of butterflies are found in Bandhavgarh National Park. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaque represent the primate group. It is said that India's first white tiger was found in the forest area of Bandhavgarh due to which it is also called white tiger country.
The national park offers jeep safaris as well as elephant safaris to provide travellers with unique experiences. The park is divided into three zones, the Tala, the Magdi, and the Bamera. The Tala is the most popular as it offers maximum opportunities for sighting the tiger.
The Bandhavgarh Fort is another attraction nearby. Local legend says that this fort was gifted by Lord Rama to his younger brother Lakshmana. The region itself has archaeological evidence dating to about 2,000 years ago. The man-made caves with inscriptions and rock paintings are definitely worth a visit.